Evaluation of the Nutritional Status of Children Aged 0 to 59 Months in the Kalonda West Health Zone, Kasaï, DRC, from January to September 2023

Introduction: Child malnutrition remains a major public health concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly in the Kasaï province. This phenomenon disproportionately affects children under five years old, who are vulnerable to the devastating consequences of undernutrition. The aim of this study is to assess the nutritional status of children aged 0 to 59 months hospitalized in the Kalonda West and Ditekemena hospitals between January and September 2023. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted at the Kalonda Ouest general reference hospital and the Ditekemenadu secondary hospital from January 1 to September 30, 2023. The study population consisted of all children aged 0 to 59 months hospitalized during the period. Statistical units were selected based on convenience sampling and exhaustive sample size. A total of 2238 medical records of hospitalized children meeting the selection criteria were retained for the study. Data collection was based on observation and document review of medical records. Results: Out of a total of 2238 medical records of children involved in our study, those aged between 12 and 23 months were the majority, with a proportion of 35.1%. Household heads predominantly had a secondary education level (68%). Global acute malnutrition (GAM) prevailed at 25.2%, severe acute malnutrition (SAM) at 17.6%, and moderate malnutrition (MAM) was not observed. The mid-upper arm circumference revealed that 24.8% of children were malnourished or at risk. Clinical indicators showed: underweight (19%), wasting (17.7%), stunting (21.8%), and edema (1.1%). Conclusion: The nutritional status of children under five in the Kalonda Ouest area remains concerning. It is urgent to strengthen community strategies for screening, nutritional awareness, improving socio-economic conditions, and training health personnel. Targeted food support programs must be implemented, especially for households with low education levels and a high demographic burden.